In full: Exclusive with Boris Johnson on the Ukraine conflict

Sky News2 minutes read

Boris Johnson believes Ukrainian victory is inevitable, emphasizing the importance of strategic patience and continued support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. He stresses the need to focus on conventional support for Ukraine and stands firm on supporting democracy and freedom in the critical moment the world faces.

Insights

  • Boris Johnson believes Ukrainian victory in the war against Russia is inevitable due to their determination and experience in fighting since 2014, stressing the importance of strategic patience and continued support to achieve this goal.
  • Johnson emphasizes the significance of avoiding Putin's framing of the conflict as a nuclear standoff, advocating for conventional support to Ukraine while expressing personal commitment to prioritizing the needs of the Ukrainian people over political considerations, highlighting the critical moment for democracy and freedom worldwide.

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Recent questions

  • What is the current situation in Ukraine?

    The war in Ukraine was initially expected to be swift, with Russian dominance anticipated. However, Boris Johnson believes Ukrainian victory is inevitable due to their experience and determination. The definition of victory is left to the Ukrainians, with a full return of territories taken by Russia likely. Putin's miscalculations have led to dwindling options, and Johnson doubts the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The focus is on supporting Ukraine conventionally and standing firm for democracy.

  • Why is Boris Johnson committed to supporting Ukraine?

    Boris Johnson is committed to supporting Ukraine due to his belief in the inevitability of Ukrainian victory in the war of independence. He emphasizes the importance of strategic patience, continued support, and standing firm for democracy and freedom. Johnson prioritizes the needs of the Ukrainian people over political considerations and stresses the critical moment for the world in supporting Ukraine.

  • Will Putin resort to using tactical nuclear weapons?

    Boris Johnson doubts Putin will resort to using tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict with Ukraine. He believes such actions would isolate Russia globally and intensify economic sanctions. While a military response may be necessary, Johnson emphasizes the use of conventional forces as a viable option to support Ukraine.

  • How does Boris Johnson view the conflict in Ukraine?

    Boris Johnson views the conflict in Ukraine as a critical moment for the world, highlighting the importance of standing firm in supporting democracy and freedom. He expresses personal commitment to supporting Ukraine and emphasizes the need for strategic patience, continued support, and focusing on the needs of the Ukrainian people over political considerations.

  • What support is the UK government providing to Ukraine?

    The UK government is committed to providing support to Ukraine in terms of munitions and financial aid, despite potential constraints on resources. The UK plans to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP, with investments in defense projects like Orcas and FCAS. There is also a focus on reducing dependence on Russian hydrocarbons by investing in renewable or nuclear energy to support Ukraine.

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Summary

00:00

Ukraine's Victory Inevitable: Johnson's Strategic Support

  • Boris Johnson and Vladimir Putin initially believed the war in Ukraine would be swift, with Russian dominance expected due to their numerical and equipment advantage.
  • Johnson, having visited Ukraine, anticipated a tougher resistance from the Ukrainians due to their experience and determination in fighting since 2014.
  • Johnson believes Ukrainian victory is inevitable in this war of independence, emphasizing the need for strategic patience and continued support.
  • The exact definition of victory in Ukraine is left to the Ukrainians, with a full return of territories taken by Russia since February 24th being a likely requirement.
  • Putin's miscalculations in understanding Ukraine's identity and culture have led to his current predicament, with his options dwindling.
  • Johnson doubts Putin would resort to using tactical nuclear weapons, as it would isolate Russia globally and intensify economic sanctions.
  • While a military response to such actions would be necessary, it need not be nuclear, with conventional forces being a viable option.
  • Johnson stresses the importance of not falling into Putin's framing of the conflict as a nuclear standoff, focusing instead on supporting Ukraine conventionally.
  • Johnson views the current situation in Ukraine as a critical moment for the world, highlighting the need to stand firm in supporting democracy and freedom.
  • Johnson expresses personal commitment to supporting Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the needs of the Ukrainian people over political considerations.

16:32

UK Supports Ukraine with Defense and Aid

  • The UK government is committed to providing support to Ukraine, both in terms of munitions and financial aid, despite potential constraints on resources.
  • The UK is already at 2.4% of GDP on defense spending and plans to increase it to 2.5%, with investments in defense projects like Orcas and FCAS.
  • The public's support for Ukraine may weaken if it leads to higher energy bills, but there is an opportunity to reduce dependence on Russian hydrocarbons by investing in renewable or nuclear energy.
  • Boris Johnson aims to continue advocating for a free and independent Ukraine, potentially in an envoy role, emphasizing the need for assistance in countering drones and missiles.
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